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Ralph Ellison and the Black Arts Movement

In this video from the American Masters film Ralph Ellison: An American Journey, scholars discuss conflicts between Ralph Ellison and the leaders of the Black Arts Movement. Ellison was often criticized for prioritizing aesthetics over politics, putting him at odds with a younger generation of Black artists who had lost faith in the integrationist ideals of an earlier era.

For additional resources on Ralph Ellison: An American Journey and to purchase the complete DVD, visit California Newsreel.

• What were the causes of the Black Nationalism and Black Arts Movements? • What did the political philosophy of Black Nationalism advocate? • What kind of music is playing while the commentators discuss Black Arts? What kind of music is Ellison playing? What message is the filmmaker sending through this juxtaposition? • According to Jerry Watts, how did the Black Arts Movement change the mindset of African American artists?• How did Ellison’s artistic priorities differ from the artists involved in the Black Arts Movement, including Amiri Baraka?

Amiri Baraka was not the only writer to critique Ellison. As an extension, have students watch ”Jazz: A Metaphor for America” in the “You Might Also Like” section of this resource and ask them to compare and contrast Irving Howe’s critique with Baraka’s.

Clashes of African Americans

African Americans have always espoused a variety of political philosophies. The conflict between Ellison and Baraka can be compared to other famous clashes between African American leaders over questions of race, identity, and politics. As an extension, ask students to compare and contrast the ideas of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X or those of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois then decide which leaders Ellison and Baraka would be most likely to agree with. Make sure they use evidence from both the video and their own independent research.